Everton have completed the signing of Dutch defender Nathangelo Markelo from Dutch second division side FC Volendam on a three-year deal.
The 18-year old versatile defender, who primarily plays as a centre-half but can also play as a right-back or as a right wing-back, will link up with David Unsworth’s Under-23s side.
Twitter: ? | Welcome to #EFC, Nathangelo Markelo! Netherlands U18 international will link up with David Unsworth’s #EFCU23s:… https://t.co/W3Q6oCLqsG (@Everton)
Everton have been linked with a number of teenage talents for their Under-23 squad in recent weeks, most noticeably QPR winger Josh Bowler and Sheffield Wednesday striker George Hirst, with unconfirmed links with Barnsley defender Ezri Konsa also doing the rounds online.
Ronald Koeman and David Unsworth are keen to strengthen the club at both senior and youth level, with the progression of Under-23 players such as Mason Holgate, Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonjoe Kenny and Joe Williams a testament to a working system.
Everton are said to have beaten a host of clubs across Europe to Markelo’s signature. The Netherlands Under-19 international will have plenty to prove next season, joining a strong youth squad that claimed their first Premier League 2 title last season.
